For Media Contact, further inquiries or interview requests, please contact:
Uchechukwu Onwa - admin@bdlinitiative.org

Black History Month is a time to celebrate the resilience, brilliance, and contributions of Black people across the globe. It is a time to reflect on the struggles and triumphs of those who have paved the way for justice, equity, and freedom. Yet too often, the histories and legacies of Black LGBTQ+ migrants remain overlooked in these conversations.

As we honor Black history, we must also uplift the stories of Black LGBTQ+ migrants who have shaped movements, created communities, and redefined what it means to seek liberation in new lands. From activists and artists to organizers and visionaries, Black LGBTQ+ migrants have always been at the forefront of social change—challenging systems of oppression and forging new paths toward justice.

The experience of Black LGBTQ+ migrants is unique. Many leave their home countries due to persecution, violence, or systemic barriers that make it impossible to live authentically. Upon arriving in new countries, they face additional hurdles, including racism, xenophobia, anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination, and the complexities of immigration systems that often exclude or criminalize them. And yet, despite these challenges, Black LGBTQ+ migrants have been catalysts for change, building communities that uplift and protect those who come after them.

Figures like Audre Lorde, a Caribbean-American lesbian poet and activist, have shaped Black feminist and queer thought, inspiring generations to resist and reclaim their power. The work of Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, a Black transgender woman and formerly incarcerated activist, has been instrumental in advocating for the rights of trans people, particularly those impacted by the prison system. Across the U.S. and beyond, Black LGBTQ+ migrants have been creating safe spaces, advocating for policy change, and leading movements that affirm the dignity and humanity of all people.

Celebrating Our Existence

Black LGBTQ+ migrants are not just surviving—we are thriving. We are artists, educators, organizers, entrepreneurs, and culture-makers who are redefining what it means to be Black, queer, and boundless. We carry the histories of our homelands and the legacies of those who fought before us. Our contributions matter, and they must be recognized—not just during Black History Month, but every day.

How We Can Celebrate and Uplift Black LGBTQ+ Migrants

• Center Black LGBTQ+ Immigrant Stories: Read, share, and amplify the voices of Black LGBTQ+ migrants in literature, media, and history. Support storytelling projects and platforms that highlight these experiences.

• Support Black LGBTQ+ Immigrant-Led Organizations: Organizations like BDLI, led by and for Black LGBTQ+ migrants, are doing critical work in housing, legal aid, mental health, and community organizing. Donate, volunteer, and uplift their work.

• Advocate for Immigration Justice: Black LGBTQ+ migrants face unique challenges in asylum and immigration systems. Support policies that protect and affirm their right to safety, dignity, and freedom.

• Create Spaces of Belonging: Whether through cultural events, community gatherings, or digital platforms, we must create spaces where Black LGBTQ+ immigrants feel seen, valued, and empowered.

Black History Month is not just about remembering the past—it is about shaping the future. And that future must include Black LGBTQ+ migrants in all their complexity, resilience, and power.

ABOUT BDLI

Black Diaspora Liberty Initiative (BDLI) advocates for the rights and well-being of Black LGBTQ+ immigrants, by fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where all individuals not only survive but thrive.

We provide compassionate support, advocacy, and resources for Black LGBTQ+  immigrants who have been displaced from their home countries due to persecution, discrimination, or violence based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, while working towards uniting the Black